Crans Montana Hotels

Grown out of three separate villages in the beautiful Rhone Valley, modern-day Crans Montana is a bustling affluent town with stunning views of its spectacular Alpine setting. The Swiss Alps are undeniably scenic and Crans Montana ranks up there at the top of the picture-book stakes, enjoying a sheltered sunny plateau embellished with a host of larch tress and mountain lakes. The original villages of Crans, Montana and Aminona officially amalgamated in the 1960's to become the super-league resort we know now, its heritage as a spa retreat is still evident though. The resort's current size ensures it has a multitude of choice for après ski dining and drinking, as well as for holiday shopping and entertainments; non-skiers benefit from a variety of activities including ice-skating, swimming and bowling.

The vast open pistes ensure superb general skiing for all levels of skill and fitness, and if the daytime isn't long enough, the resort obliges by offering some night skiing too. As with most mid-range areas, Crans Montana will especially suit improving beginners and steady intermediates, and for more advanced skiers and boarders, there is some ideal tree-lined off-piste to keep the endorphins rushing. The resort's lift pass covers the whole 160km of pistes, and there is a small supplement for access to the must-see Plaine Morte glacier.